As the Pittsburgh Pirates gear up for the 2026 season, they're putting their faith in Don Kelly, who steps into his first full season as manager. Kelly took over as interim manager last season, following Derek Shelton's departure after a rough 12-26 start. Under Kelly's guidance, the Pirates showed some resilience, finishing 59-65.
Kelly's off-season moves have brought fresh energy to the coaching staff. Notable additions include pitching coach Bill Murphy, bench coach Kristopher Negrón, and third-base coach Tony Beasley.
Joining them are assistant pitching coach Thomas Whitsett and Major League field coordinator Shawn Bowman. Chris Truby, who joined the staff last May, will continue as the infield coach.
Bowman, previously the manager for Triple-A Indianapolis, brings a wealth of experience, having served as the Minor League field coordinator from 2022-2024.
Eight members of last year's staff are returning, maintaining some continuity. These include first-base coach Tarrik Brock, catching coach Jordan Comadena, and hitting coach Matt Hague, among others.
Murphy and Whitsett come from successful stints in Houston, with Whitsett having a diverse background, including a role as the director of player development for pitchers at the University of Arizona.
The Pirates are blending new and familiar faces, and keeping Kelly at the helm seems to be a move that resonates well with the team. There's a sense that the players respond positively to Kelly's leadership, a stark contrast to previous seasons under Shelton. With a revamped coaching lineup and renewed energy, expectations are surprisingly high for the Pirates as they embark on the 2026 campaign.